University of York

What you'll study

The MA combines taught modules with a substantial supervised dissertation, allowing you to pursue both breadth and depth. Taught components typically cover advanced topics across metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind and language, history of modern philosophy, and logic and argumentation. You can expect a mixture of lectures, small-group seminars and tutorial-style classes emphasising close textual work and oral presentation.

• Core training: research methods in philosophy, academic writing and presentation skills, and training in constructing and evaluating formal and informal arguments.
• Advanced modules: topics such as theories of knowledge, causation and metaphysical grounding, moral theory and applied ethics, philosophy of mind and cognitive science, semantics and philosophical logic, and selected authors in historical philosophy (e.g. Hume, Kant, Wittgenstein).
• Option choices and cross-disciplinary study: opportunities to take options or collaborate with neighbouring departments (for example psychology, computer science, law or politics) on topics such as philosophy of science, ethics of technology, or political philosophy.
• Dissertation: a substantial piece of independent research supervised by a member of staff, culminating in an extended essay that demonstrates your ability to carry out original philosophical work.

Assessment is typically by a combination of essays, oral presentations and the final dissertation. The programme places strong emphasis on one-to-one supervision and participation in research seminars and reading groups.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (UK 2:1 or international equivalent) in philosophy or a closely related discipline. Applicants with a 2:2 may be considered if they can demonstrate significant relevant experience or additional prior study in philosophy. You should be able to show evidence of your capacity for independent reading and essay-based work, for example through academic transcripts and a writing sample.

Applications normally require an academic reference and a personal statement setting out your reasons for postgraduate study. International applicants must meet the University’s accepted English language requirements; details of the specific qualifications accepted should be checked on the University of York's official admissions pages.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA Philosophy go on to a wide range of careers that draw on skills in critical reasoning, clear communication and sustained independent research. Common pathways include:

• Continuing to doctoral research and academic careers in philosophy and related fields.
• Teaching at secondary and further education levels (often combined with professional qualifications or teacher training).
• Policy, public administration and roles in government where analytical and ethical appraisal skills are valued.
• Careers in publishing, journalism, consultancy and the charitable sector.
• Positions in industry and technology, particularly in areas such as ethics of artificial intelligence, data governance and user-centred design.

Why study at University of York

The Department of Philosophy at York is research-led and offers a supportive postgraduate environment with regular research seminars, reading groups and opportunities to present work. The department has strengths across both analytic and historical traditions and maintains active interdisciplinary links with psychology, computer science, law and the humanities, enabling cross-cutting supervision and options.

Postgraduates benefit from dedicated supervisory support, access to the University library’s extensive philosophy and interdisciplinary collections, and training in research skills provided by the graduate school. York’s collegiate campus and its wider academic community make it a stimulating place for sustained philosophical study and for developing networks that support academic and non-academic careers alike.